Connecticut Post Mall Unveils 'Polar Express' Holiday Experience

Press release from Connecticut Post Mall:

Nov. 21, 2021

Connecticut Post Mall, the largest shopping center in Connecticut, announced today its holiday activities schedule as well as the introduction of an exciting new Santa set inspired by the fan-favorite Warner Bros. film The Polar Express. The new set modernizes the traditional Santa visit, offering guests an interactive branded family entertainment experience that will appeal to visitors of all ages - not just families with children. The new walk-through set – a first-in-North-America design by Parker 3D – combines the best elements of today’s highly popular “selfie museums” and interactive experiences.

“This amazing interactive walk-through set turns the wait to see Santa into a unique and exciting journey of its own. It’s an incredible opportunity for our guests to feel like they have just stepped into the movie itself, connecting with the characters as they fully immerse themselves in the experience, says Kelly Hapken, Marketing Director of the shopping center.

Connecticut Post Mall’s owner, Centennial, a real estate investment firm with a national portfolio of shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, first introduced a series of new branded Santa sets at several of its malls across the country in 2019. The company has since toured these immersive holiday sets among its shopping centers, giving guests in each location a fresh and exciting holiday experience to enjoy.

New Interactive Experience Debuts November 18th
The Polar Express tells the tale of an adventurous young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus as he boards a magical train headed to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The experience immerses visitors in the movie’s magical realm, allowing them to take a variety of free selfies, including one in front of the famed Polar Express train itself, complete with steam and realistic sound effects. After arriving at the North Pole, guests will visit and take professional photos with Santa or choose from a variety of green screen backgrounds for other professional photo opportunities.

Visits with Santa Claus: November 18th - December 24th
Children and their families are invited to drop off letters to Santa, share their Christmas wish lists with Santa Claus and have a professional photo taken from November 18th through December 24th. Santa will be located in his new The Polar Express home on the Lower Level at Center Court. The new interactive Santa set, which will entertain people of all ages – from families with children to teens, single adults and senior citizens – is free and open to the public. For more information, including Santa’s hours, photo package selections, and appointments to alleviate waiting in line, please visit https://www.shopconnecticutpostmall.com/holiday.

Media & Influencer VIP Preview Event: November 17th
Members of the press, local influencers (and their families) are invited to attend a VIP Event to preview The Polar Express Santa Experience before it officially opens to the public. Invited guests will get to experience the magic of the holidays like never before by touring through the set while enjoying tasty treats, free photos with Santa, and special goodies and giveaways. This event will take place from 4-7pm on November 17th; media are asked to RSVP to Lindsay Guild at lg@imagemarketingconsultants.com to confirm your attendance in advance.

Santa Breakfast: November 28th
Children and their families are invited to join Santa for a special breakfast in the MyPerks Lounge. Enjoy a warm meal, story time, cookies and more during this event from 9-11am. This event is free but registration on EventBrite is required. To learn more, visit the mall’s website at https://www.shopconnecticutpostmall.com/holiday.

Santa Cares Sensory-Friendly Event: December 5th
Connecticut Post Mall’s “Santa Cares” event is a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs and their families to enjoy a visit and private photo session with Santa Claus in a calming environment before the mall opens to the public. The event takes place from 9-11am in the new The Polar Express set on the Lower Level at Center Court. The event is free of charge, but advance registration through Eventbrite is required (one ticket per group/family). Photo prices vary. To register, visit https://www.shopconnecticutpostmall.com/holiday.

Santa Paws Pet Photo Event: December 6th & December 13th
Pet owners are invited to bring their furry four-legged friends to a special pet photo session with Santa Claus December 6th or December 13th, from 4-8pm. During these times, well-mannered, leashed or kenneled pets can visit with Santa in his new The Polar Express holiday home located on the Lower Level at Center Court while professional photographers capture the memories as Santa and each fur baby enjoy a warm encounter. Santa photos will be available for people without pets during these times as well. For more information, including Santa’s hours, photo package selections, and appointments to alleviate waiting in line, please visit https://www.shopconnecticutpostmall.com/holiday.

This press release was produced by Connecticut Post Mall. The views expressed here are the author's own.